Mechanisms, Chemistry, and Kinetics of Anaerobic Biodegradation of cDCE and VC

Biological reductive dehalogenation of the chlorinated ethenes, tetrachloroethene (PCE) and trichloroethene (TCE) to cis-1,2-dichloroethene (cDCE), vinyl chloride (VC) and then ethene is of great interest both for natural attenuation and engineered remediation of these hazardous contaminants in groundwater. This study was directed towards a better understanding of the factors affecting the rate and extent of conversions of cDCE and VC to ethene, which are generally considered the rate limiting steps in the overall process. The objectives of this study are to (1) determine the biochemical pathways for reductive dehalogenation of cDCE and VC, including identification of the enzymes involved, (2) determine the chemical requirements, especially the type and quantity of electron donors needed by the microorganisms for reductive dehalogenation, and (3) evaluate the kinetics of the process with respect to the concentration of both the electron donors and the electron acceptors (cDCE and VC)